Cigarette packaging machine



April 17, 1962 J. JACKSON ETAL 3,

CIGARETTE PACKAGING MACHINE Filed Oct. '7, 1959 7 Sheets-Sheet 1 FIG.I

26% war INVENTORS JOHN JACKSON ROBERT J. OSSENKOP ATTQRN EY April 17, 1962 J. JACKSON ETAL CIGARETTE PACKAGING MACHINE 7 Sheets-Sheet 3 Filed Oct. 7, 1959 INVENTORS JOHN JACKSON BBYOBERT J. OSSENKOP N MUN ATTORNEY.

April 17, 1962 J. JACKSON EI'AL CIGARETTE PACKAGING MACHINE 7 Sheets-Sheet 4 Filed Oct. 7. 1959 v ,Q INVENTORS JOHN JACKSON BYROBERT J. OSSENKOP A ril 17, 1962 J. JACKSON ETAL 3,029,572

CIGARETTE PACKAGING MACHINE 7 Sheets-Sheet 5 Filed Oct. 7. 1959 238 FIG. I I

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' mvzm'ons .10% JACKSON goaem J. OSSENKQP ATTORNEY April 17, 1962 Filed Oct. 7, 1959 CIGARETTE PACKAGING MACHINE JACKSON El AL FlG.l4

'7 Sheets-Sheet 6 FIG. l5

32a J34 33,2 1 J30 M 030 35,2 g 3 0'24 I I 330 P b a 346 I 656 J5; 336 I 556 1NvENToRs 364 l JOHN JACKSON ROBERT J. OSSENKOP 3]? J40 MM ATTORN EY A ril 17, 1962 J. JACKSON ETAL CIGARETTE PACKAGING MACHINE OSSENKOP 7 Sheets-Sheet '7 JOHN JACKSON OBERT J. B

ATTORN EY.

Filed Oct. 7. 1959 United States Patent "Ofilice 3,029,572 Patented Apr. .17, 1962 The invention relates to improvements in packaging machines, and more particularly to a packaging machine adapted to enclose articles; such as, cigarettes, in paperboard containers having a movable slide closure for an access opening provided at an upper corner in the top of the carton for removal of the articles and reclosing of the container.

In accordance with the present invention there is provided mechanism for forming paperboard cartons having a slide closure, about a series of travelling hollow turretmounted mandrels. The blank from which the carton is formed is provided with a slide closure flap formed by adhering the upper ends of the side end tabs, one of which is severed from the blank as the carton is formed to provide a freely slidable closure across the top of the carton beneath the major cover flaps. The side tab adjacent the operating sides of the closure flap is provided with a.

side reinforcing ear while the glue flap is severed adjacent the upper end thereof to co-act with the reinforcing ear in supporting the elongated closure flap for movement into and out of an access opening and closing position.

The invention is characterized by the provision of novel folding and tucking means operative to fold the side end tabs into overlying relationship adjacent the end of its associated travelling mandrel. Means is likewise provided for ensuring that the reinforcing ear and glue flap section are positioned adjacent the sides of the mandrel. Mechanism is then provided for folding the top cover flaps to form the top of the package.

Also included is novel mechanism for adhering the upper ends of the side end tabs together to form the slide closure flap. Means is also provided if desired, for severing the tab remote from the operating side of the closure flap from the body proper of the package after it has been folded into proper position to provide a carton having a freely slidable closure.

The invention is further characterized by the provision of novel mechanism for actuating the bottom tucker and folder units such that these units may be moved in timed relationship to prevent crushing or deforming of the bottom of the package formed.

Novel apparatus is likewise included in the blank infeed mechanism for bending the reinforcing ear and glue flap transversely of the blank feed proper to ensure correct positioning thereof about its associated mandrel.

The invention further includes novel mechanism for folding the inner foil wrapper about the mandrels without crushing or deforming of the foil wrapper.

Apparatus is also included for interrupting the operation of the associated packaging machine in the event a completed package remains on a mandrel past the discharge station thereof.

Bronander Patent Numbers 1,875,986 and 1,926,192 and Arelt Patent Number 2,378,457 disclose suitable packaging machines which can be adapted to utilize the present invention to make paperboard cartons having a slide closure.

It is therefore an object of this invention to provide wrapping mechanism having a series of moving hollow turret mounted mandrels and novel means associated therewith for wrapping paperboard carton blanks about the mandrels, including novel means for manipulating the walls to insure proper disposition of an elongated slide closure formed from opposing tabs and having side support members beneath opposed major cover flaps during the wrapping operation.

It is also an object of this invention to provide mecha-' nism for forming a cigarette package from a precut paperboard blank having a movable slide closure formed from opposed tabs formed on the side Wall panels, providing an access opening at the upper corner of the carton,

and wherein the slide closure is provided with side ex tensions for supporting the slide closure at it is moved to' open and close the access opening.

An added object of the present invention is to provide in a packaging machine of the aforementioned type for forming paperboard cartons including novel folding and tucking means for folding the closure tabs forming the slide closure into position adjacent the end of the mandrel and for folding the support extensions on one of the tabs into position between the inner foil Wrapper and the outer major panels whereby the closure flap is supported in operative position in the carton.

Another object of this invention is to provide novel,

mechanism for forming a foil wrapper about a series of hollow turret mounted mandrels.

It is another object of this invention to provide novel mechanism for selectively interrupting the operation of the packaging machine in the event a defective package fails to eject from the packaging turret at the package ejection station.

Another object of the present invention is to provide novel mechanism for feeding precut paperboard blanks to a series of hollow turret mounted mandrels of a package ing machine.

A further object of this invention is to provide novel feed mechanism for precut paperboard blanks operative to fold selected portions of the blank transversely of the blank feed proper to facilitate positioning thereof about a series of hollow travelling mandrels in the packaging machine.

Other objects and features of the invention will appear as the description of the particular physical embodiment selected to illustrate the invention progresses. In the accompanying drawings, which form a part of this specifi-.

cation, like characters of reference have been applied to corresponding parts throughout the several views which make up the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a partial front elevation of a cigarette packaging machine embodying the present invention.

FIGS. 2 and 2a are complementary plan views of the blank infeed mechanism.

FIGS. 3 and 3a are complementary side elevations of the blank infeed mechanism.

FIG. 4 is a view taken along line 44 of FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 is a view taken along line 5-5 of FIG. 3.

FIG. 6 is a view taken along line 6-6 of FIG. 3a.

FIG. 7 is a view taken along line 7--7 of FIG. 3a.

FIG. 8 is a partial side elevation of the top foil tucking unit and its operating mechanism.

FIG. 9 is a side elevation view partly in section of the bottom foil folder unit.

FIG. 10 is a partial side elevation of the closure tab folding means.

FIG. 11 is a view taken along line 1111 of FIG. 10.

FIG. 12 is a side elevation of the closure tab tucking units and their operating mechanism.

FIG. 13 is a side elevation partly in section illustrating the closure tab severing mechanism.

units.

FIG. 16 is a partial plan view of the bottom folder and tucker units.

FIGS. l7, l8, 19, 20 and 21 are isometric views illustrating the successive steps in forming the top wall of the completed package.

FIG. 22 is a plan view of the preferred form of blank utilized with the present invention.

FIG. 23 is a perspective view of the top portion of the completed package illustrating the slide closure in open position.

Referring to FIGURE 1, there is illustrated a cigarette packaging machine designated generally of the aforementioned type provided with a preferred embodiment of the invention. Machine 10 includes a verticallymounted rotatable packaging turret 12 which is driven intermittently by any suitable power source (not shown) in synchronism with the Working elements of the various folding devices at the working stations to be described in detail hereinbelow.

Turret 12 is provided with a number of symmetrically spaced hollow mandrels or arbors 14 which conform generally to the shape and size required for the package to be formed. With each of the mandrels 14, is associated an upper clamping arm 16 and lower clamping and folding unit 18.

In the structure illustrated, there are twelve working stations on turret 12. These are designated for convenience by Roman numerals corresponding to the hours on a clock.

In the step-wise operation of the packaging machine of which the present invention forms a part, while an empty mandrel 14 is indexed from station XII, the package ejecting station, toward station I, a suitable length of foil wrap F (FIGURE 9) is formed about the girth of mandrel 14 and held in place thereabout by upper clamp arm 16. Arms 16 and units 18 are constructed and operate in a manner similar to that described in Gwinn Patent 1,885,910.

At station II, mechanism is provided for forming the top wall of the foil wrapper about mandrel 14. As mandrel 14 is positioned at station II, reciprocating connecting rod 20 is actuated by suitable positive drive mechanism (not shown); such as a cam and follower. Connecting rod 20 (FIGURES 1 and 8) is pivotally connected at its free end by pin 22 to one end of a lever 24. Lever 24 is loosely mounted at its other end on a shaft 26 extending generally radially of turret 12 and supported adjacent the middle thereof by bracket 27 fixed to the main machine frame M (see FIGURE 1). Fixed to shaft 26 at the end thereof remote from turret 12 is a downwardly depending bell-crank lever 28. The free end of lever 28 is provided with a stud 30 which mounts one end of a spring 32. The other end of spring 32 is fixed to an extension 34 in lever 24. Likewise fixed to and rotatable with shaft 26 is top foil folder unit 36. Folder unit 36 is supported on shaft 26 for movement into and out of position adjacent the top portion of the free end of a mandrel 14 at station II as shown in FIGURES 8 and 9.

As connecting rod 20 is actuated by drive mechanism (not shown), lever 24 is pivoted about shaft 26. Since lever 28 is connected to lever 24 by spring 32, as rod 20 is moved in a direction opposite to arrow A, FIGURE 8, spring 32 is extended and pivots lever 28 in a direction opposite to arrow B, FIGURE 8. This movement of lever 28 rotates shaft 26, moving folder unit 36 in a direction opposite to arrow C, FIGURES 8 and 9, into operative position adjacent the end of mandrel 14 (see FIGURE 9). As folder unit 36 is moved into operative position, it engages a portion of foil F extending beyond the end of mandrel 14, folding the engaged portion down against the end of mandrel 14, thus forming the top major fold of the top wall of the foil wrapper.

As mandrel 14 is indexed away from station II, the direction of movement of connecting rod 20 is reversed and rod 20 is moved by the drive mechanism (not shown) in the direction of arrow A, FIGURE 8, pivoting lever 24 about shaft 26. T 0 effect the rotation of lever 28 in the direction of arrow B, FIGURE 8, lever 28 is provided adjacent its middle with a transversely-extending stud 38 which is engaged by lever 24 as lever 24 is pivoted about shaft 26 as rod 20 is moved in the direction of arrow A, FIGURE 8. This engagement of stud 38 by lever 24 rotates lever 28 in the direction of arrow B, FIG- URE 8. Such a movement of lever 28 likewise effects the rotation of shaft 26 thereby pivoting folder unit 36 in the direction of arrow C, FIGURES 8 and 9, and out of operative position adjacent the end of mandrel 14.

As mandrel 14 is indexed from station II to station III, the second major fold of the top wall of the foil wrapper is accomplished. Bottom foil folder member 40 (FIGURE 9) is positioned adjacent the path of travel of the free end of mandrel 14 and is operative to engage the portion of foil F extending beyond the bottom edge of mandrel 14 as a mandrel 14 is moved therepast. As a mandrel 14 is indexed past folder member 40, the bottom portion of foil F is folded down by folder 40 into position against the free end of mandrel 14 thus forming the bottom major fold of the top wall of the foil wrapper.

Occasionally a defective package fails to eject from a mandrel at station XII. Safety mechanism is provided to prevent damage to the rest of the packaging mechanism from a double carton being formed about a mandrel 14 and to permit the removal of the defective package from the turret 12. Bottom folder 40 is mounted on one end of a shaft 42 slidably supported in extension 44 formed in bracket 27. The free end of shaft 42 passes through extension 44 and is provided with a collar 46 to limit the travel thereof. Encircling shaft 42 in extension 44 is a spring 48 which normally urges folder 40 into operative position adjacent mandrel 14.

In the event that a defective package fails to eject at station XII, such package with a foil wrapper thereabout attempts to travel past folder 40. Since the defective package includes an outer carton, the double thickness of the outer carton and its foil overwrap urges inwardly against spring 48. Positioned adjacent the free end of shaft 42 is a switch 50 suitably supported on bracket 52 mounted to extension 44. Switch 50 is operatively connected to the machine control circuit (not shown). As folder 40 is urged inwardly by a defective package, shaft 42 engages the operating arm 51 of switch 50, actuating switch 50 to interrupt the operation of the machine.

It will be understood also that by providing a yieldable actuating connection between lever 24 and lever 28, in the event of a defective package on mandrel 14 at station II, top folder unit 36 and lever 28 are prevented from assuming their normal operative positions. Lever 24 on the other hand is connected to positively actuated rod 20 and must continue to pivot about shaft 26. However, since lever 24 and lever 28 are connected by spring 32, spring 32 merely is extended to compensate for the increased relative movement between lever 24 and lever 28, thereby preventing damage to its associated mechanism.

To limit the extent of movement of top folder unit 36 in a direction opposite of arrow C, FIGURES 8 and 9, into operative position adjacent mandrel 14, there is provided a set screw 52 threaded in a leg 55 of extension 44 of bracket 27. Set screw 52 is operative to adjust the travel of folder unit 36 adjacent the free end of mandrel 14.

As a mandrel 14 with a foil F wrapped thereabout is indexed from station II toward station III, the top and bottom major folds are effected as described hereinabove. To accomplish the side folds to complete the top wall of the foil wrapper, there is provided side folder units 54 suitably secured to extension 44 adjacent each side of bottom folder unit 40. Side folder units 54 are operative to engage the minor side flaps as a mandrel 14 is moved therepast and folds them into position against the free end of mandrel 14 and into overlying relationship with the major folds to complete the top wall of the foil wrapper as illustrated in the aforementioned patents.

As a foil-wrapped mandrel 14 is moved toward station III, a pre-cut paperboard blank P, from which the outer box is to be formed, is fed transversely into the path of travel of mandrel 14 as it moves into position at station III.

Referring to FIGURE 22, blank P includes a main substantially rectangular front wall panel 56 having minor side wall panels 58 and 60' hingedly connected thereto. An opposite main panel 62, termed the rear wall panel, is hingedly connected to the side wall panel 58. A securing flap 64 is hingedly connected to the side wall panel 60. Bottom tuck-in tabs 66 and 68 are hingedly connected to the side wall panels 58 and 60, respectively, and bottom panels 70 and 72 are hingedly connected to the front and rear wall panels 56 and 62 respectively. Cover flaps 74 and 76 are hingedly connected to the front and rear panels 56 and 62 respectively at the edges thereof opposite bottom panels 70 and 72. These cover flaps do not extend the full width of the respective panels 56 and 62 but terminate short, to provide an access opening through which articles may be withdrawn.

Side panel 60 terminates at its extremity remote from bottom tab 68 in a score line 78 which provides a hinge for a slide closure flap, designated generally 80 formed by tabs 82 and 84. Tab- 82 is hingedly connected to side panel 60 along score line 78 and provided with a fold line 75 adjacent the top edge of panel 56. Tab 84 is detachably secured to side panel 58 at the end thereof remote from bottom tab 66 at two points 86.

To furnish support for closure flap 80, tab 82 is provided with a generally triangular lateral extension 90. As shown, extension 98 is cut out from a portion of cover flap 74 with cover flap 76 provided With a matching indentation. Thus, material savings in paperboard are realized while providing an access to the operating portion of flap 80 at the top of the completed package. (See FIGURE 23.) To provide support at both sides of flap 80, securing flap 64 terminates at hinge line 78 in a bias cut line 92, and there is provided at the side of tab 82 opposite extension 90, a second extension or tab 94. If desired, blank P could be modified by eliminating tab 84 and lengthening tab 82 to form closure flap 80, without effecting the operation of the completed carton.

It will be understood that as the blank P is folded about a mandrel 14 to form a completed package, tabs 82 and 84 are brought into overlying relationship to form closure flap 80 and tabs or extensions 90 and 94 are tucked into opposite sides ofthe package adjacent and inside major panels 56 and 62 respectively.

Referring to FIGURES 2, 2a, 3 and 3a, there is illustrated mechanism for feeding blanks P from a source of supply (not shown) into position at station III. The individual blanks P are fed from the source of supply (not shown) but which may include an infeed hopper by any suitable means such as, a pair of feed rollers or suction means. The blanks are moved into position by the feed rollers (not shown) onto a pair of feed chains 96. Continuous chains 96, driven preferably continuously, pass over idler sprockets 98 mounted on shaft 100. Chains 96 are driven by a drive sprocket (not shown) actuated by any suitable power source (not shown). Mounted at spaced intervals on chains 96 are pusher lugs 100, a pusher lug 100 on each chain 96 acting in tandem to travel a blank P in the direction of arrows D, FIGURES 2 and 2a, from the blank infeed to the Wrapping turret 12.

Blanks P are fed by lugs 100 beneath longitudinal holddown rails 102 and 103 supported on transverse beams 104 secured. to side brackets 105 and 106 supported onv part of the main machine frame M. Supporting blank P during its travel to turret 12 are blank support members 108 mounted on portions of the main machine frame M.

Blanks P, engaged by lugs are travelled thereby past adhesive applicator 110. Applicator 110 is provided with radial arms 112 each having an adhesive applicator element 114 at the extremity thereof. Applicator 110 is mounted beneath chains 96 (see FIGURES 2a and 3a) on shaft 116 and rotates therewith. Shaft 116,

is supported by the main machine frame M and suitably driven in timed relationship with the blank infeed chains 96. Applicator 110 is operative to apply adhesive to the under surface of blank P at 71 and 77. It will be understood that successive arms 112 are so spaced on shaft 116 to apply adhesive at 71 and 77 of one individual blank P passing thereabove. In the illustrated embodiment, applicator 110 is provided with four arms 112, each pair of arms 112 applying adhesive at 71 and 77 to alternate blanks P moved thereabove.

To provide adhesive for elements 114, there is provided an adhesive reservoir 118 supported by bracket 120 carried by the main machine frame M. An adhesive roller 122 mounted on and rotating with shaft 124 passes through reservoir 118, absorbing adhesive on its outer periphery as it passes therethrough. Shafts 116 and 124 are so positioned in frame M that each element 114 contacts the outer periphery of roller 122. Thus each element 114 has adhesive deposited thereon by contact with roller 124, which adhesive element 114 deposits on the underside of blank P at 71 or 77.

Roller 124 is preferably of felt, mohair, lambs wool or similar material to absorb adhesive and deposit it effectively on elements 114. To remove any excess adhesive on roller 124 after it passes through the adhesive, reservoir 118 is provided at one of its edges with a scraper element 126 which is so located from the outer periphery of roller 124 as to remove an undesired adhesive therefrom for return to the adhesive reservoir. There is thus ensured neat and effective adhesive areas 71 and 77 on each blank P.

Blanks P, with adhesive areas 71 and 77 applied theredriven by any suitable power source (not shown) in timed relationship with chains 96. Fixed to and rotating with.

shaft 128 are adhesive applicators 13%, 132, 134 and 136 for applying adhesive to the upper surface of a blank.

P at 61, 63, 83 and 57 respectively. Each applicator 130, 132, 134 and 136 includes a pair of opposed radial arms 138, 140, 142 and 144, respectively, each arm being operative to apply adhesive to alternate blanks P. Each arm 138, 140, 142 and 144 mounts an applicator element 146, 148, and 152, respectively at its extremity and is dimensioned to contact the upper surface of blank P as it passes therebeneath. Arms 138 and 144 are displaced radially on shaft 128 to apply adhesive evenly to their associated areas 61, 63, 83 and 57 as a blank P is moved therebeneath (see FIGURES 2a and 3a).

To provide adhesive for elements 146152, there is provided a second adhesive reservoir 154 supported on bracket 156 suitably mounted on the main machine frame M. An adhesive roller 158 mounted on and rotating with shaft 160 passes through reservoir 154, absorbing adhesive on its outer periphery as it passes therethrough. Another roller 162 mounted on and rotating with shaft 164 contacts the outer periphery of roller 158. Such contact between rollers 158 and 162 is operative to transfer adhesive from the outer periphery of roller 158 to. the outer periphery of 162. Shafts 160 and 164 are so' positioned relative to shaft 128 that each element 146' 152 contacts the outer periphery of roller 162. (See FIG-1 URE 3a.) Thus each element 146152 has adhesive deposited thereon by contact with roller 162, which adhesive" elements 146-152 deposit onto blank P at 61, 63, 83 and,

lambs wool or similar material to absorb adhesive and deposit it effectively on elements 146-152. Two rollers 160 and 162 are employed to avoid the deposit of excess adhesive onto elements 146--152, roller 162 acting as a wiper roller also.

To ensure that tab 90 is properly positioned about mandrel 14, there is provided mechanism for making an initial fold of tab 90 perpendicularly of blank P as it is being fed by lugs 100. This mechanism includes a pair of radial arms 166 fixed to and rotating with shaft 128 at a position thereon adjacent applicator 136. Each arm 166 mounts a generally U-shaped member 168 at the extremity thereof. Coacting with arms 166 is a hub 170 having spaced extending flanges 171 on its outer periphery and fixed to and rotating with shaft 172, suitably driven in timed relationship with shaft 128. Positioned between flanges 171 is a substantially L-shaped member 174 with the upstanding leg 175 thereof extending beyond flanges 171.

In operation, as a blank is fed beneath shaft 128, an arm 166 with member 168 thereon is moved into position adjacent the upper surface of blank P at each side of tab 90. As member 168 approaches blank P, hub 170 with member 174 thereon is rotated into position with members 174 engaging the undersurface of tab 90. Since leg 175 extends beyond flanges 171 which are spaced apart the same distances as the legs of member 168, leg 175 of member 174 is operative to urge tab 90 upwardly, thus folding tab 90 perpendicularly of the rest of blank P. It will be understood that flange 171 and the leg of member 168 adjacent leg 175 coact therewith to ensure a neat fold of tab 90 as blank P is moved thereast.

p As blank P passes beneath shaft 128, having a complete adhesive pattern thereon and tab 90 folded perpendicularly thereto, securing flap 64 and tab 94 are now folded to assist in proper positioning thereof about mandrel 14. To accomplish the folding of flap 64 and tab 94, there is provided another hub 176 fixed to and rotating with shaft 178 suitably driven in timed relationship with chains 96. Hub 176 is provided with a radial arm 180 mounting a circular segment 182 and L-shaped folder 184 at its extremity. As shaft 178 is driven synchronously with chains 96, folder 184 is moved into engagement with the undersurface of blank P, urging securing flap 64 and tab 94 thereof upwardly as shown in FIGURE 7. Co-acting with folder 182 is a generally U-shaped bracket 186. Bracket 186 has one leg 188 secured to side bracket 106 and its outer leg 190 extending downwardly adjacent blank P at the hinge connection between securing flap 64 and tab 94 and side panel 60. Thus, as folder 184 engages flap 64 and tab 94 they are folded upwardly about their hinge connection to side panel 60, folding securing flap 64 and tab 94 perpendicularly relative to blank P as shown in FIGURE 6.

Blank P is next conducted past plow 192 secured to rail 103. Plow 192 is operative to re-fold tab 90 as it is moved therepast, ensuring that tab 90 is properly positioned relative to the rest of blank P (see FIGURE 4). Blank P then passes beneath a guide plow 194 secured to a side bracket 106. Plow 194 is operative to guide securing flap 64 and tab 94 as they are moved therepast into the path of travel of rotary folder wheels 196 and 198 positioned above and below blank P, respectively. Bottom folder wheel 198 is fixed to and rotates with shaft 200 suitably driven in timed relationship with chains 96. Top folder wheel 196 is fixed to and rotates with 202 suitably driven in timed relationship with chains 96. Top folder wheel 196 includes a cam segment 204 which coacting with bottom folder 198, is operative to re-fold securing flap 64 about its hinge connection to panel 60. Top folder Wheel 196 also includes a second cam segment 206 which .coacting with bottom folder 198 is operative to refold tab 94 about its hinge connection to panel 60.

After passing between rollers 196 and 198, blanks P '8 pass beneath a hold-down bracket 208 and guide plow 210 which is operative to urge tab back to upright position in the event tab 90 fails to return to upright position after being folded over by plow 192. Plow 210 thus ensures proper positioning of tab 90 for folding about a mandrel 14.

Blanks P are now engaged by blank transfer device T and removed from engagement with lugs and transferred from the blank infeed mechanism into position in the path of travel of a mandrel 14 on turret 12. Transfer device T may be similar in construction and operation to that disclosed in Arelt Patent 2,344,666 for High Speed Cigarette Packaging Machine. Further disclosure thereof is thus omitted in the interests of brevity.

It will be understood that the driven members of the blank infeed mechanism may be driven separately in timed relationship by suitable power means but are preferably driven from a common power source to facilitate the synchronization thereof.

As a foil-wrapped mandrel 14 is moved toward station III, a blank P is fed transversely into the path of travel thereof as described hereinabove. As mandrel 14 with a blank P is moved from station III to IV, the cup or trough-shaped lower clamping and folding unit 18 is moved upwardly under its associated mandrel 14, bending blank P against the sides of mandrel 14 into a general U-shape along scored lines between the front and side panels 56,58 and 60 of blank P.

At station IV, blank P is wrapped about mandrel 14 in a generally tubular or sleeve-like configuration. To permit blank P to be folded about mandrel 14, upper clamp arm 16 is moved temporarily out of position adjacent mandrel 14. As clamping arm 16 is moved out of position adjacent mandrel 14, connecting rod 212 actuates lever 214, moving finger 218 into position adjacent the top of mandrel 14 maintaining the foil wrap F about mandrel 14 until blank P has been folded thereabout. Finger 218 is provided with an extension 220 which is operative to partially fold rear panel 62 of blank P into position against the top of mandrel 14 along a score line between the side and rear panels of blank P, Side clamps 222 and 224 are then actuated by shaft 225 and its associated linkages and are moved into clamping position against the sides of mandrel 14 maintaining blank P thereagainst. It will be understood that clamp member 222, in moving into position against the side of mandrel 14, insures that securing flap 64 and tab 94 are positioned against the top of mandrel 14. (See FIGURE 1.) A rear panel folding unit 226 secured to and moving with side clamp 224 completes the folding of rear panel of blank P into position against the top of mandrel 14 and overlapping securing flap 64 and tab 94.

At station IV, tab 82 is folded about its fold line 75 into position against the end of mandrel 14. Secured to and moving with side clamp 224 is a generally U-shaped bracket 228 provided with an extension 230 extending therefrom. As side clamp 224 approaches clamping position adjacent mandrel 14, bracket 228 i moved into position in front of tab 84 as shown in FIGURES 10 and 17. When side clamp 224 is in clamping engagement with blank P, extension 230 engages cover flap 74, bending flap 74 outwardly as shown in FIGURE 11 to facilitate the positioning of tab 82 against the end of mandrel 14 and the locating of tab 90 against the side of mandrel 14 between the foil wrapper F and front panel 56. (See FIGURES 17 and 18.)

The folding of tab 82 is effected by folder member 232 mounted on the end of lever 234. Lever 234 is rotatably mounted adjacent its middle on shaft 236 fixed to bracket 238 mounted on the main machine frame M. The other end of lever 234 is provided with a pin 240 to which is pivotally connected one end of a link 242. The other end of link 242 is pivotally connected by pin 244 to the free end of a crank arm 246 which is actuated by shaft 248 driven as described hereinbelow. Shaft 248 is actuated in timed relationship with side clamps 222 and 224, to move folder 232, through crank arm 246, link 242 and lever 234 in the direction of arrow B, FIGURE 10, into engagement with tab 82, folding tab 82 about fold line 75 and into position against the free end of mandrel 14. Since tab 90 has been previously folded at right angles to tab 82, folder 232 in folding tab 82 against mandrel 14 effects the positioning of tab 90 against the side of foilwrapped mandrel 14 beneath front panel 56. However, to ensure that tab 98 is properly inserted beneath front panel 56, there is provided a stationary finger 258 fixed to bracket 238. The end of finger 250 is operative to engage tab 90, maintaining tab 90 perpendicular of tab 82 thus ensuring the proper positioning of tab 98 beneath front panel 56.

Side clamps 222 and 224 and panel folding unit 226 and their operating mechanisms may be similar in operation and construction to those disclosed in Arelt Patent No. 2,344,666 and further disclosure thereof is omitted in the interest of brevity. As a mandrel 14 with blank P wrapped thereabout moves from station IV to station V, upper clamp arm 16 is moved back to its clamping position against the top of mandrel 14, maintaining blank P in place about mandrel 14 and ensuring adhering of the rear panel 62 to securing flap 64 along adhesive area 61.

At station V, the tucking and folding operations for forming the top of the package are completed. As mandrel 14 is moved into position at station V with blank P wrapped and secured thereabout, top folder unit 252 is actuated by mechanism to be described in detail hereinbelow and moves inwardly to engage and re-tuck tab 82 of blank P downwardly against the end of mandrel 14, about fold line 75, thus ensuring proper positioning of tabs 82 and 90 against mandrel 14. Bottom folder unit 254 is then actuated by mechanism to be described in detail hereinbelow to fold tab 84 into position against the end of mandrel 14, overlaying tab 82. Tabs 82 and 84 are thus adhesively joined at area 84 to form closure flap 88.

Top cover flap 76 is then folded into position against the top of mandrel 14, overlying tabs 82 and 84, by folder unit 256 actuated by a lever 258 actuated by suitable mechanism (not shown); such as, a cam and follower. The top of the pack is completed as mandrel 14 is moved from station V to station VI. Top cover flap 74 is folded into position against the top of mandrel 14, overlapping top cover flap 76 by being moved past stationary folder units 258. (See FIGURE 21).

Referring to FIGURE 12, bottom tucker units 254 are operated by a cam 260 mounted on a shaft 262, driven from the main drive of the machine (not shown). Cam 268 is provided with a cam track 264 which engages a cam roller 266 mounted on one end of bell-crank lever 268 fulcrumed on a shaft 270. The other end of lever 268 is pivotally connected to a connecting rod 272. The other end of connecting rod 272 is pivotally secured to the lower end of lever 274, the other end of which is secured to one end of shaft 276 rotatably mounted in a portion of the main machine frame M. A second lever 278 is secured at its upper end to the other end of shaft 276 and is rotatable therewith. The free end of lever 278 is pivotally secured to the lower portion of block 280 to which lower tucker unit 254 is secured as shown in FIGURE 12. Another lever 282 is also pivotally attached at its lower end to the upper portion of block 280. The upper end of lever 282 in turn is secured to one end of shaft 248 rotatably supported in frame M.

Top tucker unit 252 is actuated by a reciprocating rod 284, driven from the main drive of the machine (not shown). Rod 284 is provided with a block 286 having a downwardly depending arm 2S8. Arm 288, at its free end, engages a roller 290 mounted on the upper end of a lever 292. Lever 292 is rotatably mounted adjacent its middle on a shaft 294 supported in bracket 296 of the main machine frame M. The lower end of lever 292 10 forms top tucker unit 252. To maintain roller 290 in contact with arm 288, there is provided a spring 298, one end of which is fixed to lever 292 between roller 290 and shaft 294, the other end of spring 298 being fixed to bracket 296. Thus, spring 298 is operative to normally urge roller 290 into engagement with arm 288.

In operation, as a mandrel 14 is moved into position at station V, rod 284 is travelled in the direction of arrow F, FIGURE 12, moving block 286 and arm 288 therewith. As arm 288 moves in the direction of arrow F, FIGURE 12, spring 298 is operative to rotate lever 292 about shaft 294 maintaining roller 290 in contact with arm 288. Such rotation of lever 292 moves bottom tucker unit 252 into engagement with tab 82 urging tab 82, which has a tendency to spring away from the end of mandrel 14 as mandrel 14 is indexed from station IV to V, back thereagainst.

With top tucker unit 252 urging tab 82 against the end of mandrel 14, lever 268 is pivoted about shaft 270 by the action of cam roller 266 travelling in cam track 26-4. The pivoting of lever 268 moves connecting rod 272 to the right as viewed in FIGURE 12. Thus connecting rod 2'72 pivots lever 274 and shaft 276 in a counter clockwise direction, as viewed in FIGURE 12. This movement of shaft 276 operates to pivot lever 278 secured thereto in the direction of arrow F, FIGURE 12, moving block 288 and bottom tucker unit 254 from their non-' operative position illustrated in full in FIGURE 12 upwardly and outwardly toward operative tucking position, moving bottom tucker unit 254 into engagement with tab 34 urging tab 84 into overlying relationship with tab 82. The movement of block 280', in turn, operates to pivot lever 282 and shaft 248 in the direction of arrow F also. This rotation of shaft 248, it will be understood, thus actuates folder 232 at station IV moving folder 232 into operative folding position illustrated in dotted lines in FIGURE 10 to fold tab 82 of the next successive package.

When both tabs 82 and 84 have been folded into position against the end of mandrel 14, the direction of travel of rod 284 is reversed. Arm 88 in engagement with roller 298 is now operative to pivot lever 292 about shaft 294, against the action of spring 298, moving top tucker unit 252 out of engagement with tab 82 and returning it from operative tucking position shown in dotted lines in FIG URE 12 to non-operative position illustrated in full lines in FIGURE 12 to await the next successive mandrel 14 with a blank P wrapped thereabout. Likewise, as cam rollers 266 continues its travel in cam track 264, the movement of connecting rod 272 is reversed by lever 268, thereby reversing the movement of the operating mechanisms for bottom tucker unit 254, moving tucker unit 254- from operative tucking position shown in dotted lines in FIGURE 12 to non-operative position illustrated in full lines in FIGURE 12 to await the next successive mandrel 14 with a blank P wrapped thereabout delivered to station V. It will be understood that as bottom tucker unit 254 is returned to non-operative position, shaft 248 is again actuated to return folder 232 at station IV to nonoperative position illustrated in full lines in FIGURE 10 to await the mandrel 14 delivered thereto.

Referring to FIGURES 12, 19 and 20, it will be seen that bottom tucker unit 254 is provided with a spring member 255 adjacent the blank engaging portion thereof.

- Spring member 255 ensures a positive folding of tab 84 into position on tab 82 and compensates for any variance in position of blank P about mandrel 14 or any play in the operating mechanism of tucker unit 254. For like reasons spring 298 is employed to urge top folder unit 252 into operative folding engagement with tab 82.

Referring to FIGURES l and 21, stationary folder unit 258 is provided with a roller member 259 adjacent the path of travel of mandrel 14. Roller 259 is provided to ensure that top cover flap 74 will be properly folded into overlapping position on flap 76 to which has been applied a suitable adhesive area 77, as shown in FIGURE 22. Folder unit 256 is provided with a suitably recessed portion 255 (FIGURE 21) and extending folder portion 257 which is operative to fold cover flap 76 into position, overlying tabs 82 and 84, without disturbing adhesive area 77. In addition, if desired, stationary folder unit 258 may be further provided with an adjustable set screw (not shown) to limit the length of travel of folder unit 256 as it moves into position to fold down cover flap 76. At station VI, a plunger 300 provided with a presse'r block 302 is movable by suitable mechanism (not shown) into a mandrel 14 indexed thereto and against a back-up plate 304 to a suitable bracket 306 on the frame of the machine. This plunger 300 is operative to apply pressure against cover flaps 74 and 76 insuring complete adhesion therebetween, and their rectangular cross section of the formed carton to prevent jamming or binding of closure fiap 80 during operation thereof.

In the embodiment of the invention illustrated and as shown in FIGURES 1 and 13, at station VII, tab 84 is completely severed from blank P to provide a freely movable slide closure 89 for the package formed. This is accomplished preferably by means of a knife 308 mounted on a block 310. Block 310 is secured to one end of a second reciprocating plunger 312, which is provided with suitable receptacle and drive mechanism (not shown).

It will be understood that tab 84 may be severed from blank P at any suitable station and by any suitable severing means, or if desired, can remain connected to blank P and severed by the eventual user of the completed carton.

In operation, as a mandrel 14 is moved into position at station VII, plunger 312 is actuated moving block 310 and knife 308 into the open end of mandrel 14, and against the underside of tabs 82 and 84, a knife 3% severing tab 84 at points 86 and 88, which connected to side panel 58, thereby completely freeing closure flap 80. A ledger plate 314 is secured to bracket 306 to provide a resisting force for knife 308 insuring a clean severing of flap 80. In addition block 310, moving against ledger plate 314 also provides pressure against tabs 82 and 84 and cover flaps 74 and 76, insuring complete adhesion at 83 and 77, respectively, and is likewise operative to square the end of the corner carton.

When the wrapped mandrel 14 advances on turret 12 to station IX (not shown), filler materials are moved into the hollow mandrel by any suitable means (not shown) which may be similar in design and construction of the inserting means disclosed in the above referred to patents. The materials preferably include cigarettes, but other materials; such as cigars, confectionery, pharmaceuticals, pencils, crayons and the like, may also be packaged in this manner. Mandrel 14 with a suitable material therein is then indexed into position at the ejection station 12. At this station it will be understood the carton is filled but open at the end adjacent turret 12.

Referring to FIGURES 14, 15 and 16, the packages, completed with the exception of the top end folds are ejected from their associated mandrel 14 at the ejecting station XII, and are pushed in a generally horizontal position by reciprocating plunger 316, between guide plate 318 and lower guide plate 320 and against abutment 317, positioned therebetween. A stationary and a horizontally reciprocating side guide plate 322 and 324 respectively, are provided to secure the straight entry of the package between plates 318 and 320, in the proper location for the tucking and folding operation. Plates 322 and 224 also serve the purpose of giving additional support to the top and edges of the package on which the tucking and folding mechanisms operate. Top plate 318 is fastened to abutment 317 which is mounted on a suitable support 319. Abutment 317 is arranged to engage 12 the entering end of a package when the same is properly located as described hereinbelow.

As a package is ejected from turret 12, side guide plate 324 moves in the direction towards mandrel 14, meets the package and then travels with the same in timed relationship with plunger 316 while the package is pushed between plates 313 and 320. The bottom end of the package is still open and bottom tuckers 326 are swung inwardly by suitable mechanism and tuck flaps 66 and 68 into position as illustrated in FIGURE 15. As the tuck.- ing operation is completed and tuckers 326 are being moved away from the bottom end of the package, a folder plate 328 is moved by suitable mechanism in timed relationship with tuckers 326 toward the package, folding the protruding end flap 72 onto the tucked ends 66 and 63 of the package.

It will be understood that folder plate 328 folds end flap 72 into position while tuckers 326 are still in contact with flaps 66 and 68, maintaining them in tucked position.

Tuckers 326 are preferably L-shaped and each is provided with operative folding ears or extensions 330 and suitably shaped recesses 332. Ears 330 operate to fold flaps 66 and 68 into tucked position and to hold them there as flap 72 is folded into overlying relationship therewith. Recesses 332 accommodate the free passage of folding extensions 334 of folder 328 and the corner positions 69 of flap 72.

Referring to FIGURE 14, plunger 316 moves a partially formed carton from mandrel 14 between top and bottom guide plates 318 and 320 until it contacts abutment 317, positioning the packaging for the tucking and folding operations described hereinabove. As shown best in FIGURE 14, abutment 317 extends only partially the full distance between plates 318 and 320, for reasons set forth hereinbelow.

The free end of closure flap has a tendency to spring outwardly from the top of the package as shown in FIGURE 14-. It is thus necessary to urge the free end closure flap 80 back into alignment with the top of the package to prevent damage thereto upon further handling of the completed package. To efiect this, there is provided a finger 336 which is pivotally mounted by pin 338 to abutment 317 and positioned thereabove adjacent top guide plate 318 in alignment with the free end of closure fiap 80 as it is moved against abutment 317 by plunger 316.

Finger 336 is adjustably maintained in position above abutment 317 by set screw 340, carried by a bracket 342, secured to delivery chute side plate 344. Spring 346, one end of which is secured to abutment 317, and the other end secured to finger 336, normally urges finger 336 into engagement with set screw 340. Thus, set screw 340 is operative to adjust the positioning of the operative portion of finger 336 relative to the front face of abutment 317 to urge the free end of flap 80 into the desired position in the finished carton.

During the return motion of folder plate 328, guide plate 324 moves again toward mandrel 14 in the direction indicated by the arrow in FIGURE 16, and stops when the roller 348 rotatably supported in the free end thereof is aligned with delivery chute side guide plate 350. Pusher plate 352, which up to this moment served as a guide and support for the pacakage during the final tucking and folding operation is actuated by suitable mechanism to push the completed packet into the package delivery chute formed by side plates 344 and 350 and bottom plate 354. While entering the delivery chute, end flap 70 passes under roller 348 of plate 324 and is smoothly folded down over the previously folded end flap 72 to complete the bottom wall of the package.

To facilitate the transfer of the completed package by pusher plate 352 into the delivery chute, mechanism is provided for moving the front portion 343 of side plate 344 out of engagement with packages previously delivered to the package delivery chute. Arm 356 is mounted at it s upper end to front portion 343 of side plate 344.

At its lower end arm 356 is rotatably mounted on shaft 358. Adjacent its middle arm 356 is pivotally connected by pin 360 to an actuating arm 362. Arm 362 is moved in timed relationship with pusher plate 352 to pivot arm 356 downwardly about shaft 358, thus moving the front portion 343 of side plate 344 out of engagement with packages previously delivered to the package delivery chute. As front portion 343 is moved out of engagement with the packages, a second bracket 364, having an extension 366, generally aligned with and opposing side plate 324 is likewise moved out of engagement with a package engaged by pusher plate 352.

It will be understood that when front portion 343 of side plate 344 is in its normal package engaging position,

extension 366 of bracket 364 is operative to assist in maintaining the alignment of the package during the tucking and folding operation. Likewise, as bracket 342 moving with the front portion 343 of side plate 344, moves set screw 340 out of engagement with finger 336, spring 346 urges finger 336 away from closure flap 80 to prevent interference by finger 336 with the transfer of the completed package to the delivery chute.

Thus there is provided a cardboard carton containing a package liner and packaged articles and having a freely movable slide closure for an access opening at an upper corner of the carton.

What we claim is:

1. In a packaging machine having a series of hollow travelling mandrels, apparatus for forming cartons there- 'about, each of said cartons provided with a slide closure and formed from a blank having a front panel, a first side panel, a rear panel, and a second side panel, each of said panels having a bottom closure flap extending therefrom, said front and rear panels having cover flaps hingedly connected thereto, said cover flaps dimensioned to provide an access opening for said carton, said first side panel having an elongated extension extending between said cover flaps and being connected to said first side panel by a line of separation, said second side panel being provided with a top flap hingedly connected thereto for forming with said extension a closure flap for said carton, said apparatus comprising means for feeding said blanks seriatim to said mandrels, means for folding a blank about the girth of its associated mandrel, means for folding said top flap into position against the edge of said mandrel, means for folding said elongated extension into engagement with at least a portion of said top flap and securing said extension and flap together thereby forming said slide closure, means for folding said cover flaps into position overlying said top flap and said extension to form the top wall of said carton, means for ejecting said partially formed carton from about its associated mandrel, and folding and tucking members for forming said bottom closure flaps of said blank into said bottom wail of said carton.

2. The invention as defined in claim 1 including a spring member, means mounting said spring member on said extension folding means for engagement with said elongated extension whereby said spring member is opera tive to ensure positive folding of said elongated extension regardless of the position of said blank on said mandrel.

3. In a cigarette packaging machine having a conveyor provided with a plurality of equidistantly-spaced hollow travelling mandrels on which cigarette packages are formed, said conveyor being adapted for indexed movement to and from a plurality of operating stations including a cigarette filling station, apparatus for forming an outer wrapper for each of said packages, said wrapper being provided with a slide closure and formed from a paperboard blank having integrally connected front, rear and side panels and top and bottom flaps for forming top and bottom walls of said wrapper, said blank being provided with extensions connected to the top of each of said side panels for forming a slide closure for said formed 'carton and the top flaps of said front and rear panels being dimensioned to provide an access opening for said wrapper, said apparatus comprising means for folding said them together, and means for folding said top flaps to.

form said top wall, means for severing one of said extensions from its associated side panel whereby said carton is provided with said slidable closure and means operative after a mandrel having a wrapper partially formed thereabout has been moved away from said cigarette filling station for folding said bottom flaps of said blank to form said completed wrapper.

4. In a packaging machine having a series of moving block-shaped supports, apparatus for forming a carton about said supports, said carton being provided with a slide closure and formed from a paperboard blank having a front panel, a first side panel, a rear panel and a second side panel, each of said panels having a bottom closure flap extending therefrom, said front and rear panels having top cover flaps dimensioned to provide an access opening at one end of said carton, said first side panel having a top flap connected thereto, said second side panel having a top flap connected thereto for forming with said top .flap on said first side panel said slide closure, said second top flap having a support element extending laterally therefrom, said support element being positioned beneath said front panel in said completed carton to support said slide closure for movement into and out of operative position in said access opening, said apparatus comprising means for feeding a succession of single blanks into confronting position adjacent said supports, means for forming a blank about the girth of each of said moving supports, a tucker for tricking said second top flap of said second side panel into position against the end of said support, a second tucker for tucking said first top flap into overlapping relationship with said second top flap and securing them together to form said slide closure, means for positioning said support element on said second top flap adjacent said moving support and beneath said front panel, means for folding said cover flaps into overlapping position on said top flaps to form the top wall of said carton, means for severing said first top flap from said first side panel whereby said carton is provided with a freely slidable closure, and tucking and folding members for forming said bottom flaps of said blank into the bottom wall to complete said carton.

5. The invention as defined in claim 4 wherein said means for severing said first top flap from said first side panel includes a knife, means mounting said knife for movement into and out of position against said top flap and means for operating said knife to sever said flap from said first side panel.

6. The invention as defined in claim 4 wherein said tucker for tucking said first top flap includes a resilient member, means mounting said resilient member on said tucker unit for engagement with said first top flap whereby said resilient member is operative to ensure positive folding of said first top flap regardless of the position of said blank on said support.

7. The invention as defined in claim 4 including means for effecting the rectangular alignment of the sides of said formed carton adjacent the top thereof whereby the free sliding movement of said slide closure is ensured.

8. The invention as defined in claim 4 wherein said blank infeed means includes a conveyor for travelling individual blanks from a source of supply to said moving supports, means for applying adhesive to selected portions of said blank for securing said blank about said support and means for initially folding selected portions of said blank as said blank is conveyed to said support to facilitate positioning of said blank about said support.

9. In a cigarette packaging machine having a rotating conveyor provided with a plurality of spaced hollow mandrels on which cigarette packages are formed, said conveyor being adapted for indexed movement of said mandrels to and from a plurality of operating stations, apparatus for forming a package about each of said mandrels, said packages including an outer paperboard carton provided with a slide closure and formed from a paperboard blank having an integrally connected front panel, first side panel, rear panel, second side panel and securing flap, each of said panels having a bottom closure flap extending therefrom, said front and rear panels having top cover flaps dimensioned to provide an opening at one end of said carton, an access to the slide closure at the opposite end thereof, said first side panel having a top flap connected thereto, said second side panel having a top fiap connected thereto for forming with said top flap on said first side panel of said side closure, said second top flap having a pair of support elements extending laterally from each side thereof, said apparatus comprising means for forming a foil wrapper about each of said mandrels, means for feeding a succession of single blanks into confronting position adjacent said mandrels, means for forming a blank about the girth of each of said mandrels, a tucker for tucking said second top flap of said second side panel into position against the end of said mandrel, a second tucker for tucking said first top fiap into overlapping relationship with said second top flap and securing them together to form said slide closure, means for positioning said support elements on said second top flap adjacent said foil wrapper and beneath said front and rear panel, means for folding said cover flaps into overlapping position on said top flaps to form the top wall of said carton, means for severing said first top flap from said first side panel whereby said carton is provided with a freely slidable closure, and tucking and folding members for forming said bottom flaps of said blank into the bottom wall to complete said carton.

10. The invention as defined in claim 9 wherein said blank infeed means includes a conveyor for travelling individual blanks from a source of supply to said mandrel, means for applying adhesive to selected portions of said blank for securing said blank about said mandrel and means for initially folding selected portions of said blank substantially transversely thereof as said blank is conveyed to said mandrel for facilitating positioning of said blank about said mandrel.

11. The invention as defined in claim 9 including control means associated with said foil-wrapping means for selectively controlling the operation of said machine in the event that a carton is positioned on said mandrel at said foil-wrapping station.

12. Apparatus for feeding carton blanks serially from a source of supply to a cartoning station, said blanks including a front panel, a first side panel, a rear panel and a second side panel, each of said panels having a bottom closure flap extending therefrom, said front and rear panels having top cover flaps, said first side panel having a top cover flap connected thereto, said second side panel having a top cover fiap connected thereto for forming when adhesively joined to said top flap on said first side panel a slide closure for a carton formed from said blank, said second top flap having a support element extending laterally therefrom and supporting said slide closure, said apparatus including a conveyor, means mounting said conveyor for travel from a source of supply of said blanks to said cartoning station, drive means for said last-named means, means on said conveyor for engaging blanks at said source of supply for travel to said cartoning station, means for applying adhesive to selected portions of said blank including at least one of said flaps forming said slide closure, means for folding selected portions of said blank transversely thereof as said blank is conveyed toward said cartoning station.

13. Mechanism for transferring paperboard carton blanks in succession from a source of supply to a cartoning station, said blanks including an integrally connected front panel, first side panel, rear panel, second side panel and securing fiap, each of said panels having a bottom closure flap extending therefrom, said front and rear panels having top cover flaps dimensioned to provide an opening at one end of the carton formed from said blank, said first side panel having a top flap connected thereto, said second side panel having a top flap connected thereto for forming with said top flap on said first side panel when connected together a slide closure for said carton, said second top flap having support elements extending laterally from each side thereof, supporting said slide closure, said mechanism comprising an endless chain conveyor, means mounting said conveyor for travel from said source of supply to said cartoning station, drive means for driving said chain conveyor, lugs on said conveyor engaging blanks at said source of supply for travel to said cartoning station, means for applying adhesive to selected portions of the upper and under surfaces of said blank including a selected portion of at least one of said top fiaps connected together to form said slide closure, and means for folding said support elements and said se' curing fiap substantially at right angles to the remainder of said blank as said blank is conveyed to said cartoning station for facilitating forming of said carton.

14. In a packaging machine having a series of moving block-shaped supports, apparatus for forming a carton about said supports, said carton being provided with a slide closure and formed from a paperboard blank having a front panel, a first side panel, a rear panel and a second side panel, each of said panels having a bottom closure flap extending therefrom, said front and rear panels having top cover flaps dimensioned to provide an access opening at one end of said carton, said first side panel having a top fiap connected thereto, said second side panel having a top flap connected thereto for forming with said top flap on said first side panel said slide closure, said second top flap having a support element extending laterally therefrom, said support element being positioned beneath said front panel in said completed carton to support said slide closure for movement into and out of operative position in said access opening, said apparatus comprising means for feeding a succession of single blanks into confronting position adjacent said supports, means for forming a blank about the girth of each of said moving supports, means for folding opposed side panel flaps into juxtaposition and securing them together to form said slide closure, means for positioning said support element on said second top flap adjacent said moving support and beneath said front panel, means for folding said cover fiaps into overlapping position on said top flaps to form the top wall of said carton, means for severing said first top fiap from said first side panel whereby said carton is provided with a freely slidable closure, and tucking and folding members for forming said bottom flaps of said blank into the bottom wall to complete said carton.

15. In a packaging machine having a series of hollow travelling mandrels adapted to be moved step wise to and from a plurality of operating stations including a package discharge station, apparatus for forming a wrapper thereabout comprising means for folding a precut length of wrapper material about the girth of each of said mandrels with a portion of said wrapper material extending beyond the free end of its associated mandrel and means for folding said overhanging portion about the free end of said mandrel to form said Wrapper, said last named means including a folder, means movably positioning said folder adjacent the path of travel of said mandrels to engage a portion of said overhanging wrapper material as said mandrel is moved therepast, said folder being operative to fold its engaged portion of said Wrapper material against the free end of said mandrel and control means associated with said folder for interrupting the operation of said machine in the event said folder is moved away from its operative folding position 17 by a package remaining in position about said mandrel past said package discharge station.

16. The invention as defined in claim 15 including means normally urging said folder into operative position adjacent the path of travel of said mandrels.

17. In a package machine having a series of hollow travelling mandrels adapted to be moved step wise to and from a plurality of operating stations including a package discharge station, apparatus for forming a wrapper thereabout comprising means for folding a precut length of Wrapper material about the girth of each of said mandrels with a portion of said wrapper material extending beyond the free end of its associated mandrel and means for folding said overhanging portion about the free end of said mandrel to form said wrapper, said last named means including a folder for folding one portion of the overhanging wrapper material against the free end of said mandrel, means for moving said first tucker into and out of tucking engagement adjacent the free end of said mandrel, a second folder, means movably mounting said second folder adjacent the path of travel of said mandrels, means normally urging said second folder into operative folding position adjacent the path of travel of the free end of said mandrels, said second folder unit constructed and arranged to engage a second portion of said overhanging wrapper material and fold said second portion against the free end of said mandrel and in overlaying relationship with the portion folded by said first folder, and control means operatively associated with said second folder and operative to interrupt the operation of said machine in the event said second folder is moved away from its normal operative folding position by a package remaining in position about said mandrel past said discharge station.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 954,704 Scales Apr. 12, 1910 992,112 Clarke May 9, 1911 1,480,143 Bent Jan. 8, 1924 1,955,577 Cooley Apr. 17, 1934 2,512,922 Dearsley June 27, 1950 2,603,925 Moore July 22, 1952 2,701,938 Murray Feb. 15, 1955 

